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From Desmond Mgboh, Kano
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has announced plans to establish a Northwest Joint Border Surveillance Initiative aimed at tackling persistent banditry and other cross-border crimes affecting the region.
Governor Yusuf made the announcement during the graduation ceremony of 2,000 personnel of the Kano State Neighbourhood Watch Corps, held at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano.
According to the governor, the Kano State Government is currently engaging with neighbouring states to develop joint strategies, coordinated border operations, and shared intelligence frameworks to curb criminal activities across state borders.
“I want to announce today that the Kano State Government is in active talks with the concerned states to develop joint strategies, coordinated border operations, and shared intelligence frameworks to address these cross-border threats,” the governor stated.
He explained that his administration is committed to working closely with neighbouring governors to ensure criminals find no safe haven within the Northwest region.
Governor Yusuf noted that the initiative aligns with the broader vision of the Northwest Governors’ Forum, chaired by the Governor of Katsina State, Malam Dikko Umar Radda, to provide a collective response to emerging security challenges.
The governor called on traditional rulers across the region to support the Neighbourhood Watch Corps, describing it as a homegrown security outfit that is deeply rooted within local communities.
He also appealed to the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigerian Military, Hisbah Board, and KAROTA to support the Neighbourhood Watch Corps in order to strengthen inter-agency collaboration.
“Let me be absolutely clear: no single agency can secure Kano State alone. The security challenges we face today require unprecedented cooperation and coordination,” Governor Yusuf said.
The governor expressed appreciation to the Chairman of the occasion, former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as well as the governors of Katsina, Zamfara, Jigawa, and Kaduna states, for their attendance and support.
Also speaking, Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umar Radda, reiterated the need for stronger synergy among Northwest governors and security agencies to effectively combat insecurity.
On his part, the Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II, appealed for greater community collaboration, urging ward heads to nominate individuals of proven character to assist in securing their localities, noting that security agencies alone cannot do the job.
